Ngoh | เงาะ | Nephelium lappaceum
Family: Sapindaceae - Genus: Nephelium
Rambutan can be found in the food forest of the Thai Child Development Foundation on Mount Never-rest.
The rambutan is a medium-sized tropical tree. The name also refers to the edible fruit produced by this tree. The rambutan is native to Southeast Asia. It is closely related to several other edible tropical fruits including the longan. The fruit, leaves, seeds, fruitpeel and bark of the tree can all be used for medical reasons. The fruit and seeds are edible.
In Thailand, rambutan trees were first planted in Surat Thani in 1926. Trees can bear fruit from 6-10 years of age. Harvesting of the rambutan fruit is in May-June yearly.
THE RAMBUTAN TREE
The rambutan is a medium-sized tropical tree. The name also refers to the edible fruit produced by this tree. The rambutan is native to Southeast Asia. It is closely related to several other edible tropical fruits including the longan.
Most commercial grown trees are hermaphroditic. Male trees are seldom found, as vegetative selection has favored hermaphroditic clones that produce many female flowers and a much lower number of flowers that produce pollen.
RAMBUTAN LEAVES
The leaves are alternate, 10–30 cm long, oval shaped, with three to 11 leaflets, each leaflet 5–15 cm wide and 3–10 cm broad.
Leaves can be used for medical application (see below)
RAMBUTAN FLOWERS
About 500 greenish-yellow flowers occur in each hermaphroditic cluster of flowers. Each flower has six anthers. The flowers are receptive for about one day.
An annual rambutan fair is held during August harvest time. Most, but not all, flowers open early in the day. Up to 100 flowers in each female panicle may be open each day during peak bloom.
The fruit matures 15–18 weeks after flowering.
Both male and female flowers are faintly sweet-scented Rambutan is an important nectar source for bees.
RAMBUTAN FRUIT
The fruit matures 15–18 weeks after flowering of the tree. The fruit grows in clusters and are hairy-looking, colorful balls. The name rambutan means hairy, referring to the spikes on the skin of the fruit. The spikes aren't sharp; they are fleshy and pliable.
Under the rind, there is the tasty white flesh of the fruit and a single seed. The fruit can be eaten fresh, without cooking. Rambutans are red when they are ripe.Â
The flavor of rambutan is slightly acidic and sweet. It has a pleasant fragrance.
RAMBUTAN SEEDS
Rambutan seeds are full of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
When boiled or roasted, rambutan seeds can make for a snack that’s both delicious and healthy.
NOTE:Â Do not ever eat rambutan seeds raw, for they contain poisonous compounds such as saponin. Roasting and boiling render the saponin compound ineffective, thus making these seeds safe for consumption.
CULINARY USES OF RAMBUTAN
Rambutan fruit is eaten fresh, without cooking, when ripe
When boiled or roasted, rambutan seeds can make for a snack that’s both delicious and healthy.
In Thailand you can find the fruit in some desserts.
NUTRITION
Rambutans are high in vitamin C, copper, manganese, and trace elements of many other nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and iron.
TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL USE OF RAMBUTAN
NOTE: please take advice from a doctor if you are planning to use herbal medicine.
Rambutan Fruit
Rich Source Of Vitamin C
Boosts Energy
Aids In Weight Loss
Reduces Constipation
Generation Of Red And White Blood Cells
Prevents Anemia
Removes Waste From Kidneys
Strengthens Bones
Antiseptic Properties
Kill Parasites
Maintaining Sperm Health
Rambutan Leaves
The leaves of the rambutan fruit contain healing juices that is said to be of use for/as:
Analgesic
Aphrodisiac
Prevents Graying
Promotes Good Scalp Health
Rambutan Seeds
Rambutan fruit seeds found their way into ancient texts many years ago, for their medicinal properties and use.
Healthy Snack
Enhances Skin Texture
Anti-Diabetic
Rambutan Fruit Peel
Anti-Cancer Properties
Cure For Dysentery And Fever
Rambutan Bark
Although there is no research to confirm this claim, rambutan bark was recognized by traditional medicine for its astringent properties to heal canker sores that can be very painful.
INTO THE WILD: a down to earth experience
For guests and visitors to Paksong we organize weekly tours "The Edible Forest" and Foraging weekends: Into the Wild. We work with local guides to take you in the jungle of Paksong. After foraging, we will cook a meal with the ingredients, using bamboo together with you!
Come and join and learn about the abundance of food that nature gives us!
INTO THE WILD!